Phase Synchronizing Nodes in Telecommunications Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks face challenges in achieving precise phase synchronization, particularly in UMTS, DVB-T, and WIMAX networks, where existing methods like GPS receivers are expensive and do not utilize existing infrastructure, and time synchronization protocols lack the necessary precision of one microsecond.
Innovation Solution
A method for phase synchronizing nodes in a telecommunications network by transferring phase information in phase with a reference internal to a first node, using a tree-structured distribution network, where position signaling is embedded in data signals, and compensating for transfer time to avoid phase errors, allowing for precise synchronization without relying on GPS receivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are used for phase synchronization, then synchronization precision of one microsecond is achieved, but cost increases and existing network infrastructure is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses position signaling as an intermediary mechanism to convey phase information between nodes. Instead of directly using expensive GPS receivers at each node, the system embeds phase position information in the data signal transmission, allowing nodes to synchronize by exchanging and processing this positional information through the existing network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the phase reference distribution system within the existing network. By embedding phase position information in data signals and using tree-structured distribution, the system replicates the functionality of GPS-based synchronization using available network resources, thereby avoiding the need for expensive GPS hardware at each node.
2Device complexity
If conventional time synchronization protocols (NTP) are used, then network infrastructure is utilized, but synchronization precision is insufficient (one millisecond order)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the precision parameter of time synchronization by introducing position signaling that tracks phase information with microsecond-level accuracy. Instead of relying on coarse time stamps, the system uses detailed position information embedded in signals to achieve much finer synchronization precision while still utilizing the existing network infrastructure for signal transmission.
3Device complexity
If phase information is transferred through network links, then cost is reduced and infrastructure is utilized, but transfer time causes phase errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by compensating for transfer time before phase synchronization occurs. The system calculates and applies time compensation based on the transfer time between nodes, ensuring that phase information is adjusted in advance to account for transmission delays, thereby maintaining phase accuracy despite the use of network links for information transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
For phase synchronizing nodes, on a node by node basis, following a tree-structured phase distribution network using the infrastructure of a telecommunications network, a first node transfers to a second node phase information substantially in phase with a phase reference internal to the first node and position signaling of the phase information with respect to component elements, such as bits, of a data signal carried by a link linking the nodes. The position signaling can be the number of component elements separating it from the phase information in a packet. The time to transfer the phase information through the link is precisely compensated.